Deck organizers

So I was concerned that the lines were seeing more friction than before and decided to take off the "tunnel covers" that run down each side of the boat.   Sure enough,  the sheaves were turning with a lot of effort and it really took the winches to move the lines thru the system.   The mainsheet, for example,  could not be pulled thru by hand except when there was really a lot of slack in the system.

OK...  so break out the tools to remove and lubricate the sheaves.    

Still not really doing the job.   Called my rigger for his advice and he tells me the Spinlock T50's (asymetrical) that are on the system are undersized for the boat, and running 14MM halyards and sheets thru them along with membrane sails and the loads expected is a problem.    Its interesting that Hanse put the T50 on the boat, but had the higher strength alloy sheaves.  It doesn't come this way.  Normally it ships with the composite sheaves, which are less strong.   They must have known it was marginal. The base SWL for the T50 is 1650lbs.  

I'm looking at options to address this, and it seems like the following list:

1.  Just replace the sheaves and hope for the best.    These are about US$30 each and it would take 5 per side so about US$350 in total.  I might get a season or two of improved use before these failed as well. Same SWL to be expected). 

2.  Replace the T50 with a "high load" Spinlock T50.   This has a slightly stronger frame and the alloy sheaves.   It has the advantage of using the same drill holes (56mm) but needs one more hole to be drilled.    This improves the SWL to about 2650lbs (per sheave) and strengthens the frame so it would likely not distort causing sheave damage. This ends up costing about $400 each side but you get a stronger setup for about twice the money of (1) above. 

3.  Replace the T50 with a Harken Big Boat organizer.   This requires drilling and tapping new holes, but the SWL moves to about 4600lbs per sheave and my rigger tells me this will run nicely and address the problem properly.   Unfortunately, these organizers cost about US$1000 each, so its an expensive option.   

One of the things I am worried about is fitting it between the ends of the tunnel cover.  If you see the current setup, its close to the edges and something needing more real estate might not work.  

See pics of the three below...

The current T50 (Asymetrical)

This is the "high load" version of the Spinlock T50 (same drill pattern, one more hole)

This is the Harken Big Boat 5 sheave setup.     New everything.   New drill pattern,  need to check overall length a bit more. 

Has anyone else done this upgrade?   What did you do?

The frustrating part is that for the cost of the Harken I can replace the T50A (as you did) with the high load unit twice.     If it buys me 4 years, that's probably OK.     On the other hand,  I really hate doing things like this wrong.    I've always tried to replace items with the properly sized or appropriate part. 

Still researching.

We only have 143,5 square meter sail (main 87 and self tacking gib 56,5) on a 545 e build 2010(early building number)and have the Spinlock T50 reinforced type standard build in and with our new membrane sails they are on the border off there limits.

Economization I suppose?

We try to replace then by Harken big boat 5 but have not enough space and the line shaves against the corners of the canal.🤬